James "Greg" Reel

James Gregory "Greg" Reel, 58, of Earlham, IA passed away on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Greg was born in Rensselaer, IN on March 9, 1965 to James Marshall Reel and Mary Vivian (Ritchie) Reel. Greg grew up on a Christmas tree farm in Bondurant, IA and spent most of his time outside and playing sports. He played football, basketball, baseball and golf and enjoyed every sport he played because it allowed him to compete. Greg would graduate from Bondurant Farrar in 1982. After high school he started working in the construction field building bridges for United Contractors Inc. for most of his career. Greg met his wife Ellyn in May of 1987 and got married on January 23rd of 1988. They would go on to have their three children Emily, David and Jonathan.

Greg was undoubtedly a family man. He cherished any time he got to spend with his family, and loved watching his kids and grandkids play sports. He also enjoyed playing golf, hunting, listening to music, and watching his favorite teams play on tv. He was also an excellent cook, and often used his barbecue skills to make meals for his family and friends. Those who knew Greg the best would describe him as hardworking, smart, funny, caring and outgoing. He was especially known for his sarcasm and ability to crack a joke and make anyone laugh. He will be remembered as an incredibly loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many.

Greg is preceded in death by his mother and his sister; Tearsa Hill.

Those left to cherish Greg's memory are his father, his wife; Ellyn (Langlois) Reel, his children; Emily Reel (Joel Livingston), David (Kelsey) Reel, Jonathan (Regan) Reel, and Logan (Haley) Wendt, his grandchildren; Karson, Mason, Hudsyn, Cooper, Waylon, Bristol, Carter, and Ava, his sister; Melanie Bumpus, his best friend; Dave (Michelle) Sandquist, and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation in honor of Greg will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Adel Chapel. A private family burial will take place at Oakdale Cemetery in Adel at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages people to make a memorial contribution to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Online condolences may be expressed at www.caldwellparrish.com.